WELCOME TO OPERATION HOPE

Operation Hope focuses on providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Operation Hope focuses on providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to First Responders and their families. We also serve children, teens, and adults with any mental health issues through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Our mental health program serves clients with a history of PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, relationship issues, and more. Operation HOPE provides an option for people seeking a new or different response to depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Lisa Weiss
Lisa Weiss
2022-02-04
I met Sara and Brooke while volunteering at an equine sanctuary where they host fundraising events for their organization. They are both hardworking, warm and caring clinicians. As a fellow therapist, I believe that equine assisted psychotherapy can be very beneficial for clients. I recommend the EAGALA model especially for those who are finding that talk therapy isn't working well for them.
Caitlin Purcell
Caitlin Purcell
2022-02-04
As a member and current Secretary of a Kiwanis club, this club was at a time of building and growing. In this retreat, it was a great time for our club to connect, strengthen, and learn about each other. Brooke guided us through a great day of fun activities, connection, and hope that got us to a different stage. These animals and enjoyment not only get you to learn about others, but also about yourself! My club was very thankful for what she and her crew did for us that day making us all have a wonderful time. This is a great program for all, especially those looking to build and work with others. You will always hold nice memories, have a fun time, and learn more than you can imagine!
Greg Petersen
Greg Petersen
2022-02-01
Hold on pain ends ! H-O-P-E Best equine assisted psychotherapy in the business, see for yourself!
Megan Delaney
Megan Delaney
2022-02-01
Brooke and Sara are wonderful and caring and their facility is beautiful. I take my class of graduate students to learn about equine assisted therapy and it’s by far the best class of the semester. We love learning from Brooke and Sara and all of the amazing horses.
Julia Mueller
Julia Mueller
2022-01-30
I worked with Brooke for several years and she is professional, knowledgeable, conscientious, empathetic, and kind. In addition, she has such an amazing way of connecting with people and animals, which makes her equine therapy incredibly healing. If you’re interested in talk therapy or equine therapy, do not hesitate to reach out to Brooke!
Mary Piasecki
Mary Piasecki
2022-01-28
I attended a team building workshop conducted by Brooke -- couldn't recommend it more highly! I was unfamiliar and nervous to work with horses, and Brooke made it so easy and fun! My team had an awesome evening and I am so grateful to have the experience.
Mark Otto
Mark Otto
2022-01-28
I had the pleasure of observing a demo equine session run by Operation Hope that was conducted in Monmouth County, NJ. In attendance were at-risk veterans dealing with a multitude of issues including; Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Homelessness, Substance Abuse and Legal Complications. They were able to help their clients by providing them with coping mechanisms that were passed on to the veterans through engaging with the horses including; mindfulness exercises and progressive muscle relaxation techniques combined with team building exercises and ground work. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the instructors. If you are interested in exploring a holistic approach to healing, then I encourage you to contact Operation Hope.

HOLD

ON

PAIN

ENDS

Our Story

Sara and Brooke met in 2017 at an EAGALA training in Mendham, New Jersey. They serendipitously sat at the same table in a room full of people from all over the tri-state area. They quickly realized they both lived in Monmouth County, NJ and decided to exchange information. From there a friendship began and their love of horses and working in the mental health field bonded them, along with their dream of one day starting their own equine therapy program (not to mention their love of country music). Brooke has previous experience working with Military Veterans at an equine therapy program at Serenity Stables in Middletown, NJ. Brooke and Sara had the opportunity to continue their education and travel to Lexington, Kentucky for the EAGALA 20th Anniversary Conference, where they bonded with new like minded colleagues, and even found themselves line dancing at a true country bar! Their dream of starting their own program has been a journey as they struggled to find a farm to call Operation HOPE their home. Sara and Brooke have finally found a beautiful oasis nestled in the heart of Monmouth County, New Jersey where they can bring their dream of helping First Responders and their families, along with anyone else dealing with mental health issues to life. Operation HOPE is a program where those in need of healing can experience the magic of working with our horses and an EAGALA certified team.

Operation HOPE Counseling Sara Velez

Sara Velez

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Sara’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami in International Studies and Spanish. Sara then went on to earn her Masters of Social Work degree from Monmouth University in International and Community Development. She has worked with young adults, individuals, couples and families tailoring her approach to the unique needs of each new client. Sara’s passion is working with individuals struggling with mental illness and those in recovery to help them heal from the trauma of addiction. Sara has dedicated her life to helping individuals who suffer from mental illness and from the afflictions of alcoholism and addictions. She decided to incorporate her own personal life journey and begin a course of action to help others heal their lives. When she started Operation H.O.P.E., Sara was able to combine her passion for healing people with her love of horses and incorporating the EAGALA Model of Equine Assisted Development. Her goal is to make people feel at home at the farm and create a unique oasis to experience wonderful growth and healing through psychotherapy with the help of horses.

Operation HOPE Counseling Brooke L

Brooke Lichter

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Brooke Lichter has had a deep passion for animals her entire life. This passion has led her on many amazing journeys. The first journey began at a young age when she volunteered for the Monmouth County SPCA ,and therapeutic equestrian center. She was later employed by a therapeutic horseback riding center for a period of 5 years. She subsequently left this position in order to pursue an internship with Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

Brooke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s Social Work degrees from Monmouth University with a concentration in The Clinical Practice with Families and Children. During her college career, she took courses that included Animal Assisted Therapy, Veterinary Social Work, and Psychology of Animal Training. Brooke is a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW). Also, she is certified through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. The ability to combine her love of horses with a passion for helping people is what she considers to be a privilege and truly a dream come true.

We’re Here To Help You

PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, relationship issues and more. 

LET’S GET STARTED!